Diomandé gives Real Madrid victory over Villarreal as Vinícius sees red

Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, with Yan Diomandé scoring the winner before substitute Vinícius Júnior was sent off. Reports from UOL and laSexta described a victory that required late defensive work after a video review ruled out what Madrid had initially celebrated as their second goal.

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Kylian Mbappé had two opportunities to put the hosts ahead during the opening half, according to UOL. He struck the post after Álvaro Carreras set him up, then was denied by Péter Gulácsi after receiving a pass in behind the defence. Madrid could not turn those chances into an early lead.

The breakthrough came through Federico Valverde's forward run. LaSexta reported that the midfielder drew defenders towards him before releasing Diomandé, who controlled the ball and finished low near the post. It was the Ivory Coast winger's first goal for Madrid, giving José Mourinho's side an advantage after the match had remained goalless for an hour.

Vinícius, who had started on the bench, then appeared to extend that advantage following a run and pass from Jude Bellingham. Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos reviewed the move at the pitchside monitor after VAR identified the Brazilian pulling a Villarreal player's hair in the build-up. The goal was disallowed and Vinícius received a red card, leaving Madrid to defend a one-goal lead with 10 players.

Villarreal pushed for an equaliser but could not get past Thibaut Courtois. UOL reported that the goalkeeper denied Gerard Moreno from inside the penalty area, while laSexta highlighted his interventions as Madrid protected their lead. The visitors' numerical advantage therefore brought pressure without a goal, and Diomandé's strike remained decisive at the final whistle.

Madrid moved to 18 points, six behind Barcelona, according to UOL, which listed them third after the result. Attention now turns to European competition: Madrid visit Roma on Wednesday, while Villarreal host Napoli on Tuesday. LaSexta also raised the possibility that a suspension could cost Vinícius an appearance in the upcoming Clásico; his availability was not confirmed.